Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1887-05-27
AN OBJECT LESSON IN POLITICS.
philadelphia Press.l

A most instructive object lesson
in politics is now being thrown up
on a canvas so conspicuous that it
can be seen by the whole country.
1t illustrates the manner in which
the two parties are approaching the
next. presidential campaign, and
the difference apparent in the stu
alton in the two organizations must
strongly impress intelligent people.
In the Democratic party discussion
as to the advlsability of re-nOmin'
ating Cleveland has practically
ceased. Whether he wants anoth'
er term or whether the party wants
him does not enter into the calcula-
ton any longer. Like a man who
is very sick and is told that he
must take a repulsivc dose Of med
icine or surrender all chance OF his
life, the Democratic party has made
up its mind to swallow the nauseat
ing prescription Of Cleveland's re-
nomination and try and survive.
1t will make q WHY face over the
matter, but it has not the courage
TO commit suicide.
Looking from the Democratic to
the Republican situation is like
turning from a country where sla-
very exists to a land ofpertect free
dom. Although less than a year
remains before the election of dele
gates to the nominating convention
will begin, there is no attempt APP
parent anywhere in the party to
force the selection of any particular
candidate. Expressions of opinion
have been made by prominent
members of the party and by lead
ing Republican newspapers. But
they have all been uttered in the
best spirit and with the evident In
tention to aid the party in making
a wise and popular choice. There
is evidently an impression every
where in the party that perfect free
dom in the expression Of opinion
exists and that the party is in a
disposition to listen to all sides and
give all an equal voice in the selec'
ton of the standard bearer.
Such striking contrast must
impress the people of the country
and show them which is the party
of principle and which is the party
of eXpediency. The Democracy
never gave a more striking exhibl
ton of it's utter lack of principle
and of courage than it is now Civ
ing. AS party it cares nothing
for Cleveland or the principles he
| is supposed to represent. In fact
a majority of the Democrats despist
him and condemn even his half
hearted attempt to enforce the Civl
Service law. But as they want tC
succeed and keep possession OF the
offices they have and get the re
mainder as soon as possible, they
are willing to smother their hatred
of Cleveland and use him as thu
best means of success attainable
In like manner the Republicans
never gave a more impressive Illus
tratlOn of their purpose to place
principles above men. They have
made no secret Of the issues upoI
which they propose to contest Thu
next presidential contest, and they
have made it just as plain that ON
ly the man who best represent
those principles and Offers the bes
promise of carrying them into Ell
feet can expect the nomination.
This Is the situation as 1t exist
now in the two parties. On the ont
side is freedom, principle and pro
gress. On the other side is a stole
Indifference to everything but sue
cess. 1t ought not to take long 10
the people to grasp so obvious
/ sltUatlOn